From today’s Scripture: “[He] who formed me as his servant from the womb.”—Is 49:5

The Songs of the Servant are heard behind the voice of John the Baptist: “There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Jesus was recognized by John as doing God’s will and being baptized in the Spirit at Calvary. I hear these words during every Mass before the Communion Procession.

Today starts the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Many faith traditions have contributed years of energy to schedule this ecumenical observance. We initiate the reading of First Corinthians. It prepares us for Paul’s onslaught on the theme of unity.

Let us pray: May the Spirit who descended on Jesus at his baptism transform and renew me this new year.

Today’s author is Father François Pellissier, active in Retrouvaille ministry and jail ministry.

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